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COURSE CARE

The Dreaded Donut
November 13, 2012
By Bob Vavrek

Every flaw and shortcoming of an antiquated irrigation system will be magnified tenfold during a
lengthy drought. In the absence of rain for six to eight weeks, localized areas of excess coverage
overlap will eventually become swamps and dry spots will become as barren as the desert when the
irrigation system is the only source of water. Soggy green grass next to the irrigation head
surrounded by a zone of dry, brown turf then green grass again is a classic example of sprinkler
malfunction, or the dreaded donut. Is it improper water pressure? Is it a worn nozzle?

If you found the dreaded dry donut around fairway sprinklers during this summer’s severe drought then
the golf course is past due to have its irrigation system evaluated by an experienced irrigation
consultant. Upgrading the irrigation system will help the course use water and electricity more
efficiently and who wouldn’t want to conserve two of our most precious recourses? The expertise
provided by USGA agronomists and irrigation consultants can help your course provide golfers with
firmer and faster playing conditions - often achieving both using less water. You know where to find
us atUSGA.org. To find local irrigation consultants,
see the directory at theAmerican Society of Irrigation
Consultants.